Check out those neighborhood schools you’ve heard so much about

Editor’s Note: School Talk is an occasional feature that looks at education in South Philly. If you have concerns, ideas, suggested topics or other thoughts about the state of schools and ways to keep improving them, email us at punk@passyunkpost.com.

Weighing in this time is Rachel Howe, president of the South Philly Parents Resource Center.

Most school applications are not due until the fall or winter, but it’s never too early to start preparing for your kid’s future. Many local schools are offering open houses and parent tours this spring.

Here’s a guide to many of those in our local area. If we’ve left something out, please add it to the comments.

District Schools

Childs Elementary School
1599 S. 17th St., 19146
(215) 952-6213
Kindergarten Open House
Wednesday, May 14 at 9:30 a.m.

Jackson Elementary School
1213 S. 12th St., 19147
(215) 952-6223
45 minute tours with the principal
Wednesdays at 9 a.m., Call for appointment

Kirkbride Elementary School
1501 S. 7th St., 19147
(215) 952-6214
Open House
Monday-Wednesday, May 12-14, times TBA

Nebinger Elementary School
601 Carpenter St., 19147
(215) 952-6202
Open House
May 14, 9 a.m. to noon

Southwark Elementary School
1835 S. 9th St., 19148
(215) 952-8606
Open House for traditional program and new Spanish/English immersion program
April 23, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Contact Principal Andrew Lukov, adlukov@philasd.org

Chester Arthur Elementary
2000 Catharine St., 19146
215-875-5774
Open houses on the first Thursday of each month

E.M. Stanton Elementary
17th and Christian streets 19146
(215) 875-3185
Open house on April 8 at 9:30 a.m.
Email Jill Scott at janastasiscott@gmail.com if you plan to attend, have questions or couldn’t make it this time.

Charter

Christopher Columbus Charter School (Elementary and High School)
916 Christian St., 19147
(215) 925-7400
Tours by appointment
Thursday afternoons, Call for appointment

Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School (elementary and high school)
2600 S. Broad St. & 2407 S. Broad St., 19145
(215) 551-4000
Call for more information.

Parochial and Private Schools

St Anthony of Padua Regional Catholic School  (pre-K through 8)
913 Pierce St, 19148
215-468-0353
Open Houses TBA, Call for more information

Ss Neumann Goretti High School
1736 S. 10th St., 19148
(215) 465-8437
Daily half-hour tours
Contact Kevin Cassidy, Admissions Director to schedule
kcassidyjr@neumanngorettihs.org or x229
Fall Open House TBA

St Thomas Aquinas Mission School (pre-K through 8)
1719 Morris St., 19145
(215) 334-0878
Tours Wednesdays by appointment, 9 to 11 a.m.
Contact Advancement Coordinator, Janell Jones
janelljonessta@gmail.com
Chinese, Vietnamese, and Spanish translation available

Philadelphia Classical School (K-5, Christian)
1701 Washington Ave., 19146
Tours by appointment
Wednesdays at 9 a.m.
Contact Katharine Savage, Director of Academic Arts
philadelphiaclassicalschool@gmail.com
Fall Open House TBA

Philly Free School (Ages 4-19)
2001 Christian St. 19146
(215) 218-9586
Open House
May 14, 6 to 8 p.m.
RSVP by phone or email: learn@phillyfreeschool.org